A collection of images and other items from Disneyland, theme parks and other amusement parks. Also look for images and items I find interesting, amusing or both.

Monday, April 14, 2008

Aunt Jemima Pancake Race 1961

One of the many fun events held at Disneyland over the years was the annual Aunt Jemima Pancake race down Main Street. The race featured housewives running down Main Street while wearing a house dress and apron all the time flipping a pancake. The races were held in several cities throughout the United States. Disneyland was the site of the California finals to see who would go on to the Nationals. The photographs are from the 3rd Annual race which was held in 1961. The first image is a lovely shot of Aunt Jemima with a competitor. I wish the button was specific to Disneyland, but it is a generic Aunt Jemima Pancake Days button.

The next two show some of the competitors practicing back stage. On my permanent want list is one of the aprons and one of the frying pans they are using to flip the pancakes.

This must have been hysterical to see. And that Aunt Jemima is adorable. Does anyone have a clue to her real identity? Her stories of portraying Jemima - and in the early days of Disneyland - would be fascinating!

Kevin - I don't know offhand, but think there might have been more than one person to portray her at Disneyland over the years. One of the people was Aylene Lewis (name from memory). I think I have her obituary around here somewhere...